Representative Byron Donalds

Weekly Wrap-Up with

Congressman Byron Donalds

September 13, 2021

Last week, the United States House of Representatives remained in August recess, allowing me the opportunity to stay in Florida's 19th Congressional District to meet with constituents, local leaders and participate in local events.

Over the past nine months with this new administration, Americans have witnessed tragedy after tragedy and a nation in dramatic decline. From the border crisis, economic crisis, Afghanistan crisis, and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, this administration has failed on all fronts. The answer to every problem has been a non-answer, and on occasion, the response by President Biden is a gross overreach of presidential power. Case in point, the administration's unconstitutional and un-American vaccine mandate. This mandate requires every company in America with more than 100 employees to require vaccination or weekly testing. This gross misuse of the Executive Branch is totalitarian, fascist, and spits in the face of our Constitution. Since the creation of the vaccine compliments the Trump administration and Operation Warp Speed, I have remained consistent in supporting everyone's individual decision on whether or not to get vaccinated. Having toured our local hospitals recently, it is clear that those suffering the most from COVID-19 are either not vaccinated or had no prior infection. To prevent severe symptoms, especially those in the most vulnerable categories, consult your physician on what is best for you.

Lastly, while the Biden-Harris administration attempts to sweep the Afghanistan crisis under the rug, my colleagues and I remain laser-focused on ensuring accountability for the massive failure that was our hasty withdrawal from the region. As Americans came together to recognize the 20th anniversary of 9/11/01, let us not forget those who answered the call of duty in defense of liberty and freedom, including the 13 heroes who tragically died just weeks ago due to Biden's failed leadership.

Continue reading below for insight on legislative happenings on Capitol Hill, events throughout Southwest Florida, and more!

20th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks

May we Never Forget the nearly 3,000 lives lost at the wicked hands of radical Islamic terrorists in Lower Manhattan, the Pentagon, & Shanksville, Pa. The gaping hole created by this devastating loss of life will never go away, but the memories of the victims will live on forever.

Biden Withdrawals ATF Nominee

While I am pleased that the White House withdrew the nomination of anti-2A radical David Chipman for the ATF, I have little hope that the next Biden nominee will be any better. I am more than confident that the next ATF nominee will too be a sellout for the anti-gun lobby and pursue an agenda that makes it harder for law-abiding citizens to obtain their constitutional rights to keep and bear arms.

Washington Post: White House pulls nomination of ATF chief amid pushback over gun-control advocacy

Community Engagement

It was great to be in Miami last week to join the James Madison Institute and the Millennial Debt Foundation on a panel last week to discuss the consequences of Congress's ridiculous spending sprees, Speaker Pelosi silencing conservatives on Capitol Hill, and the overall importance of term limits to our Republic.

It was a packed meeting at the Republican Men's Club of Collier County last week as I provided their members with an update on the latest legislative developments happening on Capitol Hill and more. Always a great time seeing such familiar faces within the community!

Grateful to the Florida Bankers Association for inviting me to speak last week at their Leadership Lunch in Naples. Having spent more than 15 years in the banking and finance industries, I know firsthand the impactful and positive work the FBA does on behalf of the Florida banking industry.

Legislative Updates

This past week, the House Small Business Committee held a virtual committee hearing to vote on the Democrats' $23.6 billion hyper-partisan spending package that will cause inflation to skyrocket, ultimately raise taxes on America's small businesses, and increase red tape and unnecessary bureaucracy.

Federal regulations have crippled America's community banking industry resulting in diminished access to capital for small, micro, minority, and veteran businesses. We need to cut the red tape and allow for business to prosper freely.

I introduced an amendment to this package that would require the Small Business Administrator to testify in front of Congress twice a year, to provide Members with an update on the agency and our nation's small businesses.

Rejecting an amendment that increases transparency, promotes honesty and reduces corruption to benefit America’s small business makes no sense - yet Small Business Committee Democrats did just that. They don’t want to have to answer to the American people that they represent. Shameful.

Watch my testimony from the Committee hearing below:

Bureaucracy Is Crippling Access to Capital for Small Businesses

In the Media

The Biden-Harris admin has lost all credibility not only at home but on the world stage. The greatest nation in the world is answering to the Taliban; read that again. The hasty withdrawal in Afghanistan left troops dead & injured, Afghan deaths, & the resurgence of the Taliban.

For more of my thoughts, click the link below to watch my interview on The National Desk:

Rep. Byron Donalds: "We have no real authority or leverage in this situation, even though the White House would say otherwise."

As the Biden Administration plans to crack down on the meat industry, they have no regard for the Americans that will be severely impacted by these regulations. Real Americans, farmers, ranchers, and growers will suffer due to an increase in the price of beef, pork, poultry price. America doesn't run on tofu, it runs on real food.

Read more about my thoughts in the Daily Mail:

Daily Mail UK: Republicans Rip Into Biden Admin's Plan to Crack Down on Meat Industry

ICYMI: I joined Fox News Primetime last week to discuss the legality of Joe Biden's mandate requiring private businesses with 100 employees or more to be fully vaccinated - taking away the individual freedoms & rights of Americans. This is a gross misuse of power as President and will not stand. Click below to watch the full interview:

Rep. Donalds Tells Fox News Primetime: Joe Biden is an Abject Disaster

Serving the hardworking men and women of Florida's 19th Congressional District is my distinct honor and privilege. It's time Washington works for our community's values, and every day I will always strive to ensure your government is working for you.

Sincerely,

Byron Donalds Signature

Byron Donalds
Member of Congress